Lipotial 175 mg, 100 caps

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT COMBINED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES AND ABOUT THE MEDICINE

• When used properly, combined hormonal contraceptives are considered one of the most reliable reversible methods of contraception.
• They slightly increase the risk of a blood clot in the veins and arteries, especially in the first year or when resuming treatment with a combined hormonal contraceptive following a break of 4 or more weeks.
• You must be alert and refer to the doctor if you think you may have symptoms of a blood clot (see “Blood clots” in section 2).
• If taken for prolonged periods, oral contraceptive pills may reduce your risk of cancer of the ovaries and womb.
• Contraceptive pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, such as AIDS or chlamydia. Only a condom can help with this.
• This medicine can increase your risk of effects such as blood clots and breast cancer.
• Oral contraceptive pills are not suitable for some women due to their medical condition. Please read this leaflet to make sure Meliane is suitable for you.

To prevent pregnancy, it is important to take Meliane as instructed and start each new strip on time. Please make sure that you understand what to do if you miss a pill or if you think you are pregnant.

WHAT IS THE MEDICINE INTENDED FOR?

Meliane is intended to prevent pregnancy. Therapeutic group: Meliane belongs to a group of medicines called combined pills (oral contraceptive pills) that contain 2 types of female hormones: estrogen and progestogen. These hormones prevent pregnancy in 3 ways: by preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries, thickening the secretions from the cervix, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb, and preventing the thickening of the lining of the womb required for implantation of the egg.

• When used properly, oral contraceptive pills are considered one of the most reliable reversible methods of contraception.
• Oral contraceptive pills do not interrupt sexual intercourse.
• Oral contraceptive pills usually make regular, lighter and less painful periods.
• Oral contraceptive pills may relieve premenstrual symptoms.

SIDE EFFECTS

As with any medicine, the use of Meliane may cause side effects in some users. Do not be alarmed when reading the list of side effects. You may not suffer from any of them. If you have one or more of the following side effects, especially if it is severe or prolonged, or if there is a change in your health status that you think could be related to Meliane, inform your doctor. An increased risk of blood clots in the veins (venous thromboembolism [VTE]) or blood clots in the arteries (arterial thromboembolism [ATE]) exists in all women using combined hormonal contraceptives. For more detailed information on the different risks from taking combined hormonal contraceptives, see section 2 “Before using the medicine”(1)